Probate & Trust Administration
Following the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know how best to proceed.
The attorneys at Norton & Abert, P.C. can advise you as executor of an estate, and as the successor trustee of a revocable trust through every step.
Being an executor or a trustee is usually a new experience for most people
Anyone stepping into that role is well advised to seek legal counsel as early as possible.
From providing a checklist to help you keep track of the information you need to gather, to the final termination of the estate or trust administration, we can help you determine what steps are necessary in every phase of your loved one’s estate and trust administration.
Helpful Tips for Executors and Trustees
Locate the key documents first.
Find the original Will, and any trust documents, and recent financial statements before doing anything else. Contact the attorney who prepared the estate plan, and check a safe deposit box, home file cabinet, or wherever your loved one kept important papers.
Don't rush to distribute anything.
Even informal gestures, such as giving a family member a piece of jewelry, can create complications later. Wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney about what can be done and when.
Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate.
You’ll need them for banks, insurance companies, retirement accounts, and other institutions, often more than you’d expect. Make sure that the death certificate is accurate.
Secure the property.
Make sure homes, vehicles, and valuables are locked, insured, and checked periodically until the estate or trust administration is complete.
Keep meticulous records from day one.
Track ever expense, every piece of correspondence, and every decision. You may be required to account for your actions, and good notes make that process far easier.
Open a separate account for estate or trust funds.
Never mix estate or trust money with your own personal funds, even temporarily.
Communicate with beneficiaries early and often.
Most family conflict during estate administration comes from feeling left in the dark, not from disagreements over the outcome itself.
Don't assume you have to figure it out alone.
Serving as an executor or trustee comes with real legal responsibilities and potential personal liability if mistakes are made. An attorney can guide you through each step and help you avoid costly missteps.
Be patient with the timeline.
Settling an estate or trust often takes longer than people expect. Creditor periods, tax filings, and asset transfers all take time, even in straightforward situations.
Take care of yourself, too.
Administering an estate while grieving is genuinely difficult. It’s okay to lean on professional support — legal, financial, and emotional — rather than trying to manage everything on your own.